In recognition of World Mental Health Day, join us for this 1-hour interactive mindfulness workshop.

The session will be led by Deborah Cairns (Registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist). Deborah works with mutiple University's across the North East including Durham. She is experienced in providing innovative workshops for students and staff, to faciliate strengthening mental health resilience. 

When we disconnect from the body, we lose touch with a resource and we may experience states of imbalance that affect our capacity to thrive, to learn and to be able to enjoy the relationships and opportunities around us.
 
This workshop explores the interrelationship between mind and body and its profound effect on human functioning; psychologically, emotionally and physically.

You are invited to practise reconnecting with your mind body relationship; embark on mindful exercise to explore sensations, bringing awareness to how the mind and body work together.  

You will explore your breath and find ways to either energise or relax your body to tackle possible imbalances.

This workshop brings your attention to several areas and themes within the body: 

• The breath 
• The neck, shoulders and spine
• The psoas muscles
• Finding your centre and the ground 

Using Stephen Porges ‘Polyvagal Theory’ and somatic practices we delve into finding ways to alter the autonomic nervous system.

Calming the system when we are hyper aroused and energising when depleted and understanding the link between this and our emotional states. 

To get full benefit from this session, it is recommended you wear lose clothing and find a quiet area to participate. Having access to a chair and rolled up blanket or towel would also be beneficial.